Trauma-Informed Care Glossary Of Terms.pdf

Psychological trauma occurs when a child experiences intense, recurring, and/or prolonged events that threaten emotional and/or physical well-being. Physical trauma refers to sudden onset injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and other experiences linked to long-term health outcomes. Child Traumatic Stress (CTS) refers to the intense fear and stress response when children are exposed to traumatic events, potentially disrupting development and increasing risk of behavioral disorders. Complex trauma describes exposure to multiple types of pervasive and chronic traumatic events, disrupting secure bonding and development. Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) is a proposed diagnosis for severe disruptions in development due to complex trauma. Epigenetic changes refer to biochemical changes caused by trauma and chronic stress, potentially resulting in long-term changes in neuroanatomy, physiology, and behavior. Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress is a reaction to pain, injury, or medical procedures, while Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a formal psychiatric diagnosis. Toxic stress occurs when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity without adequate adult support, disrupting brain development and increasing risk of stress-related disease. Trauma screening and trauma-informed mental health assessments are tools used to identify and understand a child's response to trauma.